Provisions A ten-year tradition has some cadence to
it. Bob is graciously opening his house to the gang but his hospitality doesn’t
end there. He’s the advance man. Arriving early, he does the grocery shopping
for the crew. Just important stuff. A giant bottle of Crown Royal for Charlie.
(Ed likes Crown too, but he’s out on doctor’s orders this year). Vodka for
George. Captain Morgan Coconut Bay Rum for Frankie, Beer, oreo cookies, potato
chips, and donuts for breakfast and coffee. Soap didn’t occur to anyone – so that
became a separate mission.

Tee
Times Jack Kennedy retired to The Villages more than five
years ago. He has the rules of engagement down to a science when it comes to
tee-times. I’m afraid my brother’s “no show” for Saturday morning might have
cost him 3 points. (The computer system at The Villages will mark you lousy if
you abuse your privileges.) Still, well in advance we had a plan for Friday,
Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning rounds. Afternoon rounds for the golf
junkies (I count myself among them) would have to made closer to intended tee
times. (Wayne’s cheat sheet with phone numbers came in handy for this drill.
And Charlie has the right temperament to negotiate with the seniors who
typically work the pro shops at The Villages.) Arnold Palmer Legends, Cane
Garden Country Club, Hacienda Hills, Baseline (the short course), Glenview
Country Club, Nancy Lopez Legacy Golf Course, and Tierra del Sol. Seven rounds
in four days.

Brad is starting his swing routine. He’s been around
the game since childhood. In fact, he grew up on a golf course in South County,
before it was fashionable to buy property adjacent to a golf course. He learned
how to play with balls he was able to shag from the rough, out of bounds and
skimming the bottom of a shallow water hazard behind his house. Today he hits
the balls a long way and every hole is a par or birdie opportunity. “Mind if I
stand back here?” asks Wayne from directly behind Brad on the tee box. “No,
you’re fine.” Mumbles Brad trying not to break his concentration. “Huh?” “No,
You’re fine” “Okay, ‘cause it’s easier for me to see where the ball goes from
back here and…” THWACK! Brad’s ball travels with an easy draw right to left,
carries the traps and comes to rest about 290 yards on the left side of the
fairway. “Wow, good shot.” says Wayne. “Good Shot.” says Wes. “Way to go,
Brad.” Adds Charlie. But Charlie knows this is typical of Brad and he also
knows that on a good day he can give Brad a run for his money. Since Brad works
for Charlie (Drury Inns), they’re playing partners. Brad, Charlie, Wayne and
Wes are a foursome at the Lopez Legacy Golf Course at The Villages – Florida’s
Friendliest Hometown.